Lamp and lantern snuffer.



J. B. CASE. LAMP AND LANTERN SNUFFER. APPLICATION FILED 131:0.24, 1909.

968,740. I Patented Aug. 30, 1910.

' Guam,

tn: NORRIS PETERS co.. WASHINGTON, n. c.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JOSEPH B. CASE, OF BUFFALO, NEVT YORK.

LAMP AND LANTERN SNUFFER.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, JOSEPH B. CASE, a citizen of the United States ofAmerica, residing at Buffalo, in the county of Erie and State of NewYork, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Lamp andLantern Snuifers, of which the following is a specification, referencebeing had therein to the accompanying drawing.

This invention relates to combined snuifers and wick trimmers and theprincipal object of the same is to provide an implement ofthe characterstated that may be used for snufiing a lighted wick and at the same timetrimming oil' the burned end of the wick to remove the carbon therefromso that the end of the wick will be in proper condition for the nextlighting.

In carrying out the object of the inven tion generally stated above itwill be understood, of course, that the essential features thereof arenecessarily susceptible of changes in details and structuralarrangements, preferred and practical embodiments of which are shown inthe accompanying drawings, wheren1:

Figure 1 is a perspective view showlng the practical application of theimproved implement. Fig. 2 is a central vertical sectional view. Fig. 3is a detail plan view, the implement being shown in a flattened spreadout position. Fig.4 is a perspective view of a modified form of theinvention.

Referring to said drawings by numerals, it will be observed that theimproved snuffing and wick trimming or cleaning implement is primarilycomposed of two sheet metal members 12 preferably of a substantialrectangular shape, each having its free end provided with a shortinwardly projecting trimming flange 3 that extends the entire width ofsaid free end. The member 2 at the end opposite the flange is bifurcatedto provide a pair of spaced apart ears 4: having their free end rolledto provide bearings 5 for the pivot pin 6. The similar end of the member1 has a centrally located outwardly projecting ear 7 whose free end isrolled to provide a bearing 8 that engages the pivot pin 6 between theend bearings 5 of the member 2, thereby holding said members 1 and 2 inhinged engagement.

The members 1 and 2 are slightly bowed outwardly, and each is providedwith a guiding and holding loop 9 that projects from its inner surface,said guide loops being Specification of Letters Patent.

Application filed December 24, 1909.

Patented Aug. 30, 1910. Serial No. 534,818.

preferably centrally located adjacent the hinged end of the saidmembers.

A leaf spring 10 has its end portions held in contact with the members12 by the loops 9, said leaf spring having its bowed portion 11conforming to the contour of the hinged portions of said members 12. Thespring 10 is an expansible one and constantly exerts a pressure tendingto force the members 12 in opposite directions. Preferably the spring isloose in the loops, but is retained in its member-spreading position byits resiliency. The loops 9 are preferably formed of wire the ends ofwhich are passed through openings 12 in the members 12 and then twistedor otherwise fastened together.

As will be seen by reference to Fig. 1, the implement may be grasped bythe thumb and forefinger of one hand and the members 12 rocked togetheragainst the tension of spring 10 to cause the trimming flanges 8 of saidmembers to bite through the burning end of a wick, thereby snuflingthelight and simultaneously cutting off the burned portion of the wickso that the wick will be left in a clean condition for the nextlighting.

As will be obvious, the members 12 are of such a nature that they may bereadily stamped or punched by a single operation of a suitable machine,thus materially cheapening the cost of production of the implement.

In Fig. 4, a modified spring has been shown for the members 1-2. Saidspring, which is designated by the numeral 10, has one end riveted orotherwise rigidly fastened to the member 2, and its body is bowed asindicated at 11 to conform to the curvature of the inner surfaces ofsaid members 12, and its free end 11 bears against the member 1, andexerts a pressure tending to force the said members in oppositedirections.

WVhat I claim as my invention is 1. An implement of the characterdescribed comprising a pair of outwardlybowed members hinged at one endand having at the other end of each member an inwardly-projectingtrimming flange, a bowed spring mounted between the upper ends of saidbowed members, said bowed members extending for a distance beyond saidbowed spring and serving as means for closing said bowed members tooperate the same.

2. An implement of the character deends of said members, and a springinterposed between the hinged ends of said members and having its endsloosely connected to the same.

In testimony whereof I hereunto aifix my signature in presence of twowitnesses.

JOSEPH B. CASE.

itnesses XV. MILTON KE LY, WVALTER A. FLEMING.

